After the Christmas celebration comes the New Year hangover Norman Griffiths looks at the Bloors planning decision More than a few glasses must have clinked in Groby as the news circulated that on December 22nd Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council had refused planning permission for 133 new homes on land opposite Groby Community College. It had been a protracted battle which started months earlier with an application for 140 homes, but this was withdrawn before it was considered by the Council.
The applications brought an unprecedented negative response from a village that in 2009 had seen sites named as the preferred location not only for new homes but also travellers sites. By the time Councillors had to consider the second application officers were able to report that nearly 2000 letters of objection had been received from Groby and Ratby in addition to representations made by the two Parish Councils, their consultants and other organisations. Residents maintained that • the application should be determined in accordance with current local policy, • the site is too close to the motorway which would result in unacceptable noise levels for
GAS MAIN WORK
Information caravan postponed due to weather and safety concerns Due to the weather conditions and the safety of Groby residents, the visit of the M1 Corridor gas alliance information caravan was postponed for 6th / 7th January and we hope to have the caravan come to Groby on the 27th /28th January instead. Weather permitting. If anyone does have any questions about gas works in Groby they can contact the information line on 0845 6000320.
NATIONAL GRID
Continued on page 4
Groby votes for its favourite carols
On a cold crisp December evening over 500 people gathered on the Stamford Arms car park to sing carols ‘round the tree. The Ratby Band was in its usual good form and there was some fine carolling from those who came along to support the carol singing event.
This year, Churches Together in Groby, who organise the annual event decided it would be a good idea if the villagers themselves chose the carols they wished to sing. During the first week of December forms were taken out to many of the village shops, organisations and businesses, but it wasn’t always clear what was expected and some forms inevitably finished up in the recycle bin! However, sufficient forms were returned to ascertain Groby’s Top Ten. SILENT NIGHT was voted the People’s Choice, Groby’s top carol for 2009 receiving over 60 votes. The Garden Society, Deja Vu, Mrs Bell’s Nursery and Beeston-Clarke Solutions all voted it as their number one choice. LITTLE DONKEY came second with over 50 votes and was the favourite of Classic Cuts and Noah’s Ark. In third place was AWAY IN A MANGER with over 40 votes and was the favourite choice of Catch, Mes Enfants, Flint and the Beavers representing Groby Scouting. Jim and Tina from the Stamford Arms kindly supplied delicious hot punch free of charge and Churches Together, as is the custom, distributed mince pies with some folk lucky enough to get a homemade one. The rest of the hit parade was made up of: 4. Once in royal David’s City: 5. Calypso Carol: 6. O Come all ye Faithful: 7. Ding Dong Merrily on High: 8. Hark the Herald Angels Sing: 9. In the Bleak Midwinter: 10. Come & Join the Celebration. Churches Together in Groby wish to thank all who took part including: Groby W.I., Martinshaw Primary School, Fair Cuppa, Groby Community College, Hazel’s Walking Group, Green’s Deli, Slimming World, Wilsons Newsagents, Barclays Bank, Groby Library, Urban Saints, GE Druck Ltd, Groby Guides, the Chemist, Groby Kitchens and Pricegate. See you again to sing in Christmas 2010 or possibly before when we deliver the carol questionnaires.
Nex t issue out on 13th February • Article/Advert Deadline: 29th January
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069 Mid-Jan 2010 Issue - Delivered on 16th-17th January 2010 By Our Dedicated Team of Deliverers
Groby & Field Head Spotlight PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT
Tel: 01530-244069 Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Website: www.GrobySpotlight.co.uk
3,500 copies distributed to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings. Published in the Parish of Groby & Field Head. Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press. The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press releases, events, general items of interest and news items submitted to us by local residents, groups, associations, sports clubs and local authorities. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight. None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.
NEXT ISSUE OUT ON Saturday 13th February Advert Deadline: Friday 29th January
Bradgate Lions Club News
We enjoyed a very successful period in the lead up to Christmas, raising approximately £3,500 for local charities. Over £1500 of this was made from the Christmas Basket prize draws help in many of the local Hotels, Public Houses and retail outlets in Markfield, Groby, Newtown Linford, Ratby etc. The rest of the monies came from our Santa Float street collections around various villages in our area, and our all day collection at Sainsbury’s Superstore at Fosse Park in December.
St Valentine’s Eve Dance in Thornton Our next fund raising event is a St. Valentine’s Eve Dance at Thornton Community Centre, on Saturday 13th. February, with dancing to live music, played by local band Quartz. Tickets are priced at £10 and include a buffet, they can be pre-booked by ringing Roger (01530) 242912 or Iris (01530) 230453. There will not be a bar, but you are invited to bring along your own drinks. Amongst all our other activities we are still collecting your old mobile phones, spectacles, stamps and greeting cards, if you have any of these items to donate please ring Roger, and he will arrange collection.
New members Our Club has recruited three new members in the last few weeks, but we are still anxious to increase our numbers even further, to help us raise more money to assist the many local charities that need the publics support If you would like to find out more about the Lions and what they do, please give Roger a call, he will be please to talk to you. The members of Bradgate Lions Club should like to wish all readers a Very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Dodgeball - A fun but healthy way to start 2010 THOSE looking for a fun way to make a healthy start to 2010 in Hinckley and Bosworth could try a new sport that is quickly growing in popularity. Starting this month, the Enderby Dodgeball Club are working with the Borough Council’s Active Together team to organise new sessions in the Hinckley and Groby areas. The Hinckley sessions were set to start on 14 January and will be held every Thursday from 5pm to 6pm at the North Warwickshire and Hinckley College on London Road. The Groby sessions begin on 15 January and will take place every Friday from 6pm to 7pm at Groby Community College. Sessions are for those aged 16 and above, and beginners are welcome. Further information is available from Simon Moody on (07743) 098544 or by email at: enderbydodgeball@googlemail.com
Lion Roger Gamble
President, Bradgate Lions Club A skeleton walks into a pub and plops down on a stool. The landlord asks: “What can I get you?”. The skeleton says: “I’ll have a beer, thanks.” The landloord passes him a beer and asks: “Anything else?” The skeleton nods and says: “Yeah ... A mop ...”
Of all the people I know, you’re one of them.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Council has two computers to donate to a deserving local group Groby Parish Council have TWO computers for donation to a local community group who may benefit from them.
One of the computers needs a new hard drive (costing approx in the region of £30/40). Other than that they are in good working order. Each set comprises: • 17” monitor; • 120 GB hard drive • floppy drive/DVD drive etc etc The photograph shows both computers. They come with no guarantee and the Parish Council will accept no future liability. The hard drives have been wiped clean. If you run a local community group and you think your organisation would find one of the computers useful, contact Jack Fargher, Clerk to the Council, at the Parish Council office before 31st January 2010 giving details of your group, and why it would benefit. (Contact details: Jack Fargher, Parish Clerk, Groby Parish Council, PO Box 1, Groby, Leicester LE6 0ZF, Phone: 0116 287 6985, Fax: 0116 287 6985, Email: parishclerk@groby.com)
Coach & Horses Quiz Raises £250 for LOROS On December 20th a Christmas Quiz was held at The Coach & Horses, Markfield in aid of the Charity LOROS. A fantastic £250 was raised. Jan & David would like to thank the village shops for their generosity in donating the prizes and thanks go also to the supporters who attended on the night. Well done everyone!
Waste collection calendars in last month’s issue
We have been informed that, as Groby village has several waste collection rounds, some areas of the village are not covered by the Groby calendar we published in last month’s issue. To find out your collection day, please refer to the calendar which Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council delivered through your letterbox. Alternatively, visit the borough council website at www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk and follow the links. Sorry for any inconvenience.
On his deathbed, a businessman phones his friend and said: “When I die, I want you to make sure I’m cremated.” “What would you like me to do with your ashes?” Asked his friend. “Send them to the tax man and put a note inside that says: ‘Now you have everything’.
When I was born, I was so surprised, I didn’t talk for a year and a half.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Bloors planning decision From page 1
future residents, the Council has stated that there is no money for infrastructure improvements, • and the development will spoil the ambience of the area. But neither residents nor Parish Councillors could bring to the party the depth of experience of Marrons, legal experts specialising in these issues. They produced a 12 page submission on behalf of Groby and Ratby examining the reasons why the application should not be approved. These included the erosion of the green wedge between Ratby and Groby, the sustainability of the proposed development site together with parking problems and the concerns of the Highway Authority, the shortfall in the provision of affordable housing on the site, and environmental issues such as the badger sett. Residents who read the Mercury report that officers who had earlier recommended acceptance of the plan had changed their recommendation to ‘refuse’ may be wondering how this could happen at the last moment. “The Officers report is written two weeks prior to the committee date,” said a spokesperson for Hinckley and Bosworth Bourough Council. “Further information was requested prior to the report being written and sufficient time has to be given to the applicants to submit that information. In this instance the information was submitted to the County Highways department the day prior to the committee meeting and viability information on the day of committee. The additional highways information resulted in a recommendation for refusal from the Highways Department, and insufficient time was given for this to be considered, therefore Officers changed the recommendation.” •
The recommendation to refuse was made because Bloors • had failed to provide the required level of affordable housing on the site • had failed to submit an acceptable flood risk assessment that provides a suitable basis for assessment to be made of the flood risks arising from the proposed development • had failed to demonstrate that a safe vehicle access can be provided to the site and the proposal would therefore result in an unsafe access resulting in a danger to other highway users. So what happened to the issue that concerned so many residents – that Groby’s infrastructure is already overstretched and cannot cope with more housing? “Lack of definitive measures to address the pressure the development would place on local infrustructure services was reported verbally to Committee Members members as a late item, ” said the spokesperson. She added that if these four items had been addressed prior to the Committee then the application would have been recommended for approval. Bloor’s do not wish to comment on the decision, or whether or not they will appeal, but there can be little doubt that if their investment in this land is to be realised they will be carefully re-examining the issues to see how they can be resolved. The likelihood is that they will see none of the reasons for refusal as insurmountable showstoppers. Although some villagers may see it as unduly pessimistic others may feel that as welcome as the pre-Christmas decision was it has left the village with a headache and New Year hangover. Bloors will be back.
Norman Griffiths
GE staff raise charity cash in Santa Fun Run
Ever wondered what to do on a cold December Sunday morning? Not if you work at GE in Groby! On Sunday 6 December a team of nine runners from the Groby site, joined 1400 other runners and entered The Great Loughborough Santa Fun Run - and yes they did this dressed as Father Christmas!! The Groby team, aptly named Grotto Elite, consisted of Gordon Docherty, Jonathan MacGregor, Chris Martin, Ian Murphy, Will Nutt, Tim Povall, Nigel Scoggins, Mike Thomas and Justin Wand, ran the 6km route to raise funds for the local hospice - LOROS. To date their run has raised a total of £1,000.00 - but it’s not too late to donate. If anyone would like to make a donation you can do so by credit/debit card using the following link http://www.justgiving.com/ GESantaFunRun
Glenfield Millennium Green News
At least 80 people came to sing carols on the Green, despite the freezing conditions, on the Saturday before Christmas Day.
The singing was followed by mulled fruit punch, mince pies, biscuits and other seasonal goodies. Thank you to everyone who came and contributed generously to a collection at the end which raised £51 for LOROS.
Annual General Meeting £100 in Prize Money for the Winning Team
The Green Trust will take place on Wednesday 24th February at Park House, Stamford Street, Glenfield beginning at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend to hear a report of the last year on the Green and help us to plan for the future. Your views are helpful to us so please come along. Coffee and biscuits will be available at the end of the meeting which should last no longer than an hour.
Used Postage Stamps
We are collecting these to raise funds for the Green. Phone 0116 2991868 for details of where to send them or to arrange collection.
The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen all at once.
10
Yea Guara r
ntee
Throughout
January With this voucher. Selected stylists only.
www.whiteshairandbeauty.com Terms & conditions apply .Please call the Salon or visit the website for details.
134 Station Road Glenfield Leicester Tel 0116 2871100
Open six days a week inc. late evenings
Proud to be FIVE STAR in the Good Salon Guide
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Facials Aromatherapy massage Indian Head massage Holistic treatments Waxing Bio Sculpture Gel Nails Manicure & pedicure Make up Spray tanning & St Tropez
Affordable luxury.. treat yourself ! 32 - 34 Main Street Ratby LE6 0LL Tel 0116 2390009
Now open till 8pm Wed & Thurs
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Y
ou have to wonder why a film that’s been fifteen years in the making, brought to us by the man who made a large cross section of the world’s population cry (after all, idiocy is universal) by spawning a viciously cheesy and insanely popular detritus-fest about some large ship and an oversized ice cube, has been given such a good ol’ beating with a big ol’ hype stick by its own marketing team. Phrases like ‘future of cinema’ and ‘game-changer’ are sure-fire magnets for critical abuse, yet James Cameron was more than happy to spout such hyperbolic nonsense even before 3D cinema was backed by technology which could make it a viable reality. The only question left is will Avatar, this ‘revolutionary’ blue behemoth, really redefine the way we look at cinema? In short, no, no it won’t. From the off the synopsis of James Cameron’s story, which apparently he meticulously re-wrote on several occasions over the past decade and a half, is about as revolutionary as the policies of his possible long lost brother David Cameron. Jake Sully (Worthington), a wheelchair-laden, marine grunt fits the peg labelled man-who-through-circumstanceis-given-new-lease-of-life with worrying ease and enters the alien world of Pandora by transferring his consciousness into the body of a Na’vi, this biological paradise’s natural inhabitants. Yet as Sully begins to infiltrate the Na’vi in order to determine the location of the rare and valuable (and I swear I’m not making this name up) Unobtanium for a human-led mining corporation he begins to understand the spiritual rituals of the natives, as well as their
Oliver Cragg’s Film Review Avatar (12A)
Director: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang.
Feeling blue…
connection to the lush vegetation established through a motherly guardian spirit named Ewya. So, technology vs. nature, violence vs. pacifism, greed vs. spirituality, war vs. science, colonists vs. natives, the latter of each being good and the former being bad. So far then, so Cameron. But, this lack of shock is, for at least the first twenty minutes, replaced by enough awe to care. As Sully wakes into the body of an impressively realised new species and takes his first few bounds into a land filled with gigantic floating mountains and a phantasmagoria of vibrant flora the world of Pandora is palpable. That is until you hear a variation of the phrase “we’re only here for the precious materials and will use military force to get it” and you’re instead palpably slapped with a bulging Iraq sandwich. Avatar’s bloated and painfully derivative story is defined by subtext for dummies. This is American storytelling at its gruellingly obvious finest and no amount of spectacle can detract from dire plotting that not only asks for your attention for almost three hours, but also has
the self-important audacity to act like it has something meaningful to say about current affairs. Which isn’t to say the spectacle is anywhere near worthy of any unreserved praise, let alone the hype and critical admiration it has received. The CGI itself is completely weightless. Impacts and explosions feel painfully light and as such the proposed force of the human military is reduced to nothing more than expensive fireworks. Similarly, Pandora’s rich, kaleidoscopic ecosystem is a lavish and impressive creation on a technical level, yet never manages to transcend its pixilated roots. Worse still is the jarring visual dichotomy between the human and Na’vi camps as even the most striking motion capture work ever seen on film fails to hide the fact that the character models are just that; models. All of which could be forgiven if the acting wasn’t so hackneyed and insipid that even Orlando Bloom would look charismatic by comparison. Sam Worthington lends the lead role the kind of blandness that his name suggests. Stephen Lang’s
role as the devil incarnate/military Colonel threatens to split a single dimension into even smaller fractions at any time, while the slimy corporate business head played by Giovanni Ribisi (or that guy you even hated in Friends as he’s known by his own friends) is as effective at re-imagining the Carter Burke role from Aliens as he is trying to utter a whole sentence without smirking after his own realisation that he’s getting paid copious amounts for acting the fool (A.K.A. himself). Yet the final iceberg I wish to hurl at this tanking mess is directed straight at its heart. If you can sit and stomach the film’s impossibly protracted runtime and not physically or audibly grimace at the level of repulsive sentimentality at least once then you’re probably from Pandora. Even Disney have grown out of tales which involve terms like ‘Dream-walker’ and ‘Tree of Voices/Tree of Souls’. What we have instead of the re-birth of cinema feels like the death of ambitious narrative. Every Hollywood cliché you can throw a Na’vi spear at rears its stagnant head at some point and all in all the flimsy spectacle can’t possibly make amends for a terminally abject script, wooden acting and maliciously slow pacing. To say the 3D effects are more subtle in Avatar than those attempting to do so before it is moronic when what is effectively being forced into your retinas is as blundering and maladroit as this. To make matters worse the only unfettered praise I can give is to the casting and impeccable performance of Sigourney Weaver, who’s feminine authority threatens to derail the film from its track set to intellectual oblivion and possibly make something decent, like, say, Aliens. Unfortunately all of this is undeniably the work of a postTitanic James Cameron and worse still there seems to be no turning this ship around. OLIVER RATING: 2/5
I went to a general store. They wouldn’t let me buy anything specific.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Dorothy Fitchett Celebrates her 90th Birthday
On Sunday 22nd November 2009 Dorothy celebrated her ninetieth birthday with her daughters Jackie and Judy and son Neville. Her grandchildren, sisters Norma and Iris together with friends were also there. It was held at her home at Bradgate Hill, Groby. Dorothy has lived in Groby and Markfield all of her life with her late husband Neville.
Don’t Miss the Annual Folk Music Night in Quorn! Friday 29th January 7.30pm, Quorn Village Hall (transport can be arranged)
This will be the 7th annual Africa Aid folk music night, which is always a lovely evening with various artists performing music from folk music to 60’s music so there will be something for everyone. Money raised will go to support an orphanage and maternity hospital in Africa. Tickets are £6 which includes a very generous supper and can be obtained from Kerry Sharpe 01530 243445 (kerryjane34@yahoo. com) or Dave Ford 0116 2368811.
I always win. Except when I lose, but then I just don’t count it.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
National Marriage Week 8 to 14 Feb Marriage Week UK celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of marriage as the basis for family life in the UK. It is timed to include Valentine’s Day (8th –14th Feb 2010) and has been held every year since 1997.
Marriage remains incredibly popular – over 90% of young people in the UK aspire to be married at some point in the future, and the large majority will achieve this. Although many people fear that marriages don’t last, two out of every three first marriages will last until one partner dies, and one in two second or subsequent marriages will also last a lifetime. If you would like 25 ideas of how to strengthen the romance and love in your marriage, visit the website: www.marriage-week.org.uk/ and click on ‘get involved’.
Go Learn Now in Groby and surrounding villages! January sees the start of a new programme of courses across Leicestershire and the County Council is encouraging you to make that New Year resolution to return to learn in the new decade. With an extensive choice of subjects in community colleges, libraries and local centres, the new term makes an ideal time to find a course to suit you. In computing, you can start with the basics in a beginner’s class, work towards a national qualification or even join a short class to help you get the best from your new digital or video camera. Arts classes will give you the chance to take up a new hobby or skill and there’s still time to gain new language skills for that foreign holiday or business trip. In general subjects, how about gaining skills in first aid, touch typing or tracing your family history? We also support adults keen to brush up their skills in English and Maths with local friendly groups where you can work towards the national test qualifications. Along with the Skills for Jobs programme which includes Health and Safety, First Aid and Food Hygiene training, these free classes are an ideal way to improve your CV and job prospects. Look out for the new GO LEARN magazine which will be delivered soon throughout the area, it gives details of how to enrol plus the fee discounts available to those in receipt of benefit – this means that some courses are completely free. To register for a class, or for more course information on subjects call the local office on 0116 2874725 or the Central Enrolment team FREE on 0800 988 0308
Groby Gardening Society NEWS
One gardening year ends, and another begins... December not only saw hard frosts and some snow, but it also heralded the end of another gardening year.
On November 26th , twenty six members attended our Fish and Chip supper at The Forest Hill Golf Club. It was difficult to think how the meal could have been better. Generous portions of freshly cooked fish and chips were served with accompanying curry sauce, mushy peas and bread and butter. The excellent service matched the quality of the meal and all enjoyed the occasion. All of this, coupled with the willingness to cater for individual dietary requirements, will hopefully see us repeating the event in 2010. Our last meeting of the year was celebrated in style at the Christmas party. Members pulled out all the stops and the food table was groaning under the weight of sandwiches, cakes, mince pies, trifles, pork pies etc. Over forty members contributed and enjoyed the evening. This enjoyment was enhanced by Peter Felstead, our speaker at the meeting. Peter’s day job is with the City Council based at Evington Park, but his contribution to our evening was the demonstration of wreath and Christmas table decoration making. His skills and inspiring ideas were much appreciated and probably all were astounded by the ease with which he made some stunning articles. If there was a theme running through Peter’s designs, it would be his desire to use natural, seasonal foliage as a backdrop to anything else he added. It was easy to see why he is largely responsible for the floral decorations at Leicester City Council’s civic events. As well as the usual business conducted at Annual General Meetings, we usually take stock of our previous year’s programme. The year 2009 will be remembered by many for not only some excellent and entertaining talks, but also for some thoroughly enjoyable trips. Tatton Park, Arley Hall, Belgrave Hall and Simon Morgan’s allotment at Brascote were all graced by the presence of members! The plant sale in May and The Village Show in August will also go down as successes. By the time this edition is delivered, our A.G.M. will have been held and the programme for speakers and outings for 2010 will have been published. Gardeners are (have to be) optimists and we all look forward to the start of another gardening cycle. If you feel like becoming involved and sharing in our activities, we always welcome new members and casual guests at our monthly meetings that are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month, usually in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill. Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Alvar Johnson. (Tel. No. 0116 287 7870 or Email alvar3@talktalk.net
Alvar Johnson
Advertising Rates Advert Size
Dimensions
Colour Mono
Twelfth Page
95mm wide x 41mm high
£28.00
£18.00
Sixth Page
95mm wide x 87mm high
£50.00
£36.00
Quarter Page
95mm wide x 132mm high
£65.00
£45.00
Half Page
194mm wide x 132mm high £120.00 £80.00
Full Page (A4)
194mm wide x 268mm high £190.00 £140.00
For more info, call 01530 244069 or email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
The trouble with life is there’s no background music.
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT NEW PROFESSIONAL TEAM AFFORDABLE QUALITY!
during
Bookings must include a cut & finish at list price and is with Kel Laurel or Emma only This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is subject to availability.
32 - 34 Main Street Ratby LE6 0LL Tel 0116 2390009
KEITH SMITH (ANSTEY) LTD 6 STADON ROAD ANSTEY LE7 7AY - SALES RENTAL & SERVICE
TEL: 0116 2362395 - sales@keithsmithltd.co.uk
Winter sale in-store now SAMSUNG
BOSCH WAA24166GB Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 5Kg Load Capacity Quick Wash AAB Rated
WF8604NGW Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 6Kg Load Capacity Time Delay 10 Progs AAB Rated Our Price
Our Price
£299.99
£299.99
HOTPOINT WML540 Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 6Kg Load Capacity Quick Wash AAB Rated
SAMSUNG RL38SBSW Fridge Freezer 207/94 Litres Capacity Frost Free 4 Glass Shelves Ice Maker
A Energy Rated WAS £319.99 Save £40
NOW £279.99
Our Price
£329.99
BEKO
INDESIT
WMC62W
IWB5123
Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 6kg Load Capacity AAB Rated Auto Half Load
Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 5Kg Load Capacity 16 Progs AAB Rated Time Delay
30min Wash WAS £269.99 Save £50
NOW £219.99
All products are in stock and available for immediate Delivery Internet Prices With Personal Service Ask about our Price Match Promise Built-in Display Lots of other offers in-store now!
Free Installation (worth £29.99)*
Free Removal of Old Machine (worth £14.00)**
Free Removal of Packaging
*To Existing Fittings. **Excludes Refrigeration
WAS £279.99 Save £40
NOW £239.99 ANSTEY
HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ CREDA ~ WHIRLPOOL ~ ZANUSSI ~ INDESIT ~ BELLING ~ HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ ELECTROLUX
HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ CREDA ~ WHIRLPOOL ~ ZANUSSI ~ INDESIT ~ BELLING ~ HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ ELECTROLUX ~
WASHING MACHINES ~ FRIDGE FREEZERS ~ FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ~ TUMBLE DRYERS ~ COOKERS ~ OVENS ~
WASHING MACHINES ~ FRIDGE FREEZERS ~ FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ~ TUMBLE DRYERS ~ COOKERS ~ OVENS ~
Now open till 8pm Wed & Thurs
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
10
ALMIGHTY DIGITAL AERIAL.SATELLITE.FREESAT.MULTIROOM.EXTRA POINTS.BT POINTS.LCD.PLASMA. PROJECTOR.HOME THEATRE SET-UP.TUNE-INS AND INSTALLATIONS. DIGITAL AERIAL
£85
INSTALLED ALL IN.
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS
01530245013 07957282677
EMAIL- ALMIGHTYAERIAL@AOL.COM
EST 15YRS OAP DISCOUNTS
Bestselling Crime Fiction Author to visit Loughborough Library Bestselling author SIMON KERNICK is to visit Leicestershire County Council’s Loughborough Library on Tuesday 2nd February 2010 (7.00pm, admission free). Simon will talk about his latest bestseller “The Last 10 Seconds” and his career as a crime fiction novelist. “The Last 10 Seconds” is Simon’s ninth crime novel, and features policewoman Tina Boyd, who has appeared in several of his previous titles. Simon is a major name in crime fiction, and his hard hitting, thrilling books such as “Relentless” and “Target” are worldwide best-sellers. They are all available from Leicestershire Libraries. For more information on his books see his website www.simonkernick. com. Admission is free, but places should be booked by contacting Loughborough Library on 01509 212985 (email loughboroughlibrary@leics.gov.uk) It would be a crime to miss him. For further information please contact Development Librarian John Martin (john.martin@leics. gov.uk or 0116 305 3813) or Loughborough library (01509 212985 or loughboroughlibrary@ leics.gov.uk)
Veterinary practice celebrates 21 years in Anstey Maggie Leggett’s veterinary practice is celebrating 21 years in Latimer Street, Anstey. Maggie set up the practice in November 1988 and says the support of her loyal clients has been crucial to her practice. She also relies on her dedicated and hard working staff to provide the care required by the patients. The practice has achieved Tier 2 status in the Royal College’s Practice Standards Scheme. The practice has some gifts for the clients, so pop in to collect your pens, fridge magnets and cotton bags. The surgery is at 2-4 Latimer Street, Anstey. (Telephone 0116 234 0696.) A farm worker had just finished all the hay baling and decided to give up his job because it was the last straw. Why did the footballer shoot himself? Because there was no-one else to pass to.
Do illiterate people get the full effect of alphabet soup?
Spotlight Small Ads For Sale: A mahogany TV cabinet which can also hold a DVD and video payers. It is 33” wide, 41“ high and 18” deep. Price: £15 Tel: 0116 2877870 For Sale: Over 600 Marley Roof Tiles reclaimed due to new roof. Ludlow Major, red 420mm X 330mm. Ridge tiles also available. Collection from an address in Groby. Smaller quantities available. Offers welcomed. Tel: 0116 2870610 or 07958 411978. For Sale: Presto Pressure Cooker (includes recipes and instruction book). Price: £10. Tel: 0116 231 2866. For Sale: Gas Cylinder Heater. Ideal for someone who wants to heat one room. Price: £20 or offers. ALSO: 19” TV - FREE Tel: 0116 287 5654. For Sale: Ladies Bike £35; Abs Cruncher, Mini-Stepper & Set of Hand Weights. Price: £15. Tel: 0116 231 2210 For Sale: Three Oil Paintings of Bradgate Park. Framed 10”x9”, Summer, Autumn, Winter Price: £40 Tel: 01509 561728 Advertise your items for sale FREE. Send us the details, cost of item and your contact phone number for the display box, together with your home address for our purposes only (not for publication). Our address is: Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
On why pews are better than chairs The Rectory St. James the Least
My dear Nephew Darren While it was good to see you when you visited us last Sunday, your casual suggestion to our churchwardens that chairs would be far more comfortable than our pews was not well received.
You must remember that significant numbers in any congregation firmly believe that the more uncomfortable they are, the holier they must be. Pews, generally designed several centuries ago when legs were shorter and bottoms smaller, are conducive neither to comfort nor sleep - although Colonel Marchington achieves the latter unerringly every Sunday within minutes of arrival. At least with pews, parishioners can make some pretence at kneeling, adopting that peculiar crouch only ever seen in church life. Attempt that with chairs and you are assured of sending the one in front sliding across the floor with a shriek any banshee would be proud of. Chairs may be all very well in your own church, so you can create space for the delights of liturgical dance and baby clinics, but we prefer something more immovable. Little Miss Thripp has, over the years, created something of a nest where she sits, quietly bringing in cushions, travelling rugs and her own supply of books and peppermints – although we did have to draw the line at the primus stove, since it encouraged Major Hoare to install a drinks cabinet in his pew. Pews, unlike rows of chairs, also create territorial behaviour. If a visitor should sit in a pew where regulars have sat for the last 50 years, it is regarded as if it were the invasion of Poland. One innocent family once chose the pew where generations of the Smith family have sat since dinosaurs roamed the land. The Smiths had no intention of ceding territory peacefully and so for the whole of Mattins, one pew which should have held 6 people sat 9. When they stood to sing, the line exploded into the aisles on both sides, returning to their compressed state, necessitating staggered shallow breathing, when re-seated. I will concede, however, that we made one mistake some years ago when the pews were re-varnished without having been fully cleaned first. The result is that every time the congregation stands, the organ is drowned out by the sound of tearing, while coats and jackets reluctantly part company with wood. No, your congregation may relax in the luxury of padded chairs, but we will stoutly maintain our holy discomfort. Your loving uncle,
Eustace
Don’t Forget to Send Us Your News Write to Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
If a person told you they were a pathological liar, would you believe them?
11
12
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
There’s always lots happening at your local pubs and clubs:
Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287-1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk NOTICE TO MEMBERS New Members Welcome Fri 15 Jan: Derren BOULTON Sat 16 Jan: STEVE DEE Sun 17 Jan: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 22 Jan: RAY VONN Sat 23 Jan: PANTOMIME ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ Sat 23 Jan: Chris Andrew Sun 24 Jan: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 29 Jan: JAMIE LEE Sat 30 Jan: MICHAEL JONES Sun 31 Jan: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 5 Feb: DAWN FURY Sat 6 Feb: ALAN TURNER Sun 7 Feb: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 12 Feb: VINNY DEANE Sat 13 Feb: A1 Sun 14 Feb Super Sunday ‘50’ The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616 KARAOKE ~ Every Wed OPEN MIC ~Every Thurs JAZZ ~ Every Sun 3-6pm QUIZ – General Knowledge + Find the Joker ~ EVERY Sun QUIZ – Music ~ EVERY Tues
The Brant Inn Leicester Road, Groby LE6 0DU T: 0116 287 2703 Fri 29 Jan: KARAOKE Fri 5 Feb: ALAN JONES Fri 26 Feb: KARAOKE Old Thatched Inn, Stanton. T: 01530 242460 Sat 23 Jan: BURNS NIGHT Fun QUIZ 8.30pm 50 Scottish Themed Questions Entry £2 p.p. £50 Prize to Team of 4 Winners. The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 TRIBUTE Nights All £2 Entry after 7pm. (Fri 15 Jan: NEIL DIAMOND) Fri 29 Jan: PHIL COLLINS Fri 12 Feb: Freddie MERCURY Fri 26 Feb: Amy WINEHOUSE Every 2nd Tues: QUIZ Nite POKER SCHOOL/Tues 8pm Open to All/Cash Prizes The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sat 23 Jan & 6 Feb (’King of the Road’) Sundays: QUIZ Night Skittle Alley/Room for Hire
Try different activities for £1 A SERIES of ‘taster sessions’ is being provided so that residents in Hinckley & Bosworth can try out a variety of different physical activities.
Among the activities are horse riding, Tai Chi and yoga, which are being offered as part of a county-wide promotion called Move More For Less. The scheme will be launched on Monday 25th January, supported by a brochure containing a voucher that will entitle participants to take part in up to five activities throughout the week for £1 each. Brochures will be available from the ASDA store in Hinckley on Wednesday 20 January. At the same time, residents will also be able to find out more about stopping smoking, local leisure centre membership, as well as having their fat levels tested and their blood pressure checked. Brochures can also be collected from the Physical Activity Team’s market stall in Hinckley town centre on Friday 22 January. Anyone wishing to find out more about local opportunities for physical activities for adults can contact the team on 01455 255875.
National Trust Leicester Assn.
NT properties to reopen in February Most National Trust properties reopen to the public during February and the opening dates of our relatively local properties are as follows: •
13th February, Canons Ashby House and Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood • 17th February, Hardwick Hall • 20th February, Kedleston Hall • 27th February, Calke Abbey • 6th March, Belton House. All the properties, except the Museum of Childhood, are closed for two days mid week, so check the opening days before you travel. Also remember that the parkland, restaurant and shop at Calke Abbey are open throughout the year. In spring 2010 a new National Trust property will open to the public. Following several months of effort, £6.3 million has been raised to purchase Seaton Delaval Hall, near Whitley Bay, from Lord Hastings. The Hall was built in the 1720’s and designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, who also designed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, and is regarded as the finest example of English Baroque architecture in Britain. The National Trust Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 9th February at the Premier Inn, Braunstone Lane East at 7.30pm when Stuart Bramwell will present an illustrated talk on South West America – A Land of Wonders. There will also be an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 24th February when Pamela Lenthal will talk about Crystal Healing – A Complementary Therapy. It will be held at the St John the Baptist Parish Centre, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester at 2.30pm. Admission to both meetings is members £2 and visitors £4. New members are always welcome. During February the Association will also host its second Lecture Lunch when Jon Castleman, Group MD of Norman & Underwood Ltd will be the speaker. For more information on the NT Leicester Association please call, 0116 2229133.
Alan Tyler,
Chairman, NT Leicester Association
What an Amazing Coincidence!
The twin brothers, Jim Lewis and Jim Springer, were separated at birth, and adopted by different families. Unknown to each other, both families named the boys James. Both James grew up not knowing of the other, yet both sought law-enforcement training, both had abilities in mechanical drawing and carpentry, and each had married women named Linda. Both had sons, one of whom was named James Alan and the other named James Allan. The twin brothers also divorced their wives and married other women - both named Betty. And both owned dogs which they named Toy.
Some people are on the edge. Some people are over it. I’m hang-gliding.
14
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
New Releases on DVD The Ugly Truth (15) Katherine Heigl further cements her reputation as one of film’s most dazzling, romantic comedy heroines.
In The Ugly Truth she brings her deft comic timing and true vulnerability to a film that avoids clichés, successfully, all the way until the surprising, quiet end. Heigl’s partner in crime--and at first, in pure hatred--is the rakishly charming Gerard Butler. Heigl plays Abby, a career-bound TV producer, and Butler is Mike, an outrageous man’s man whose public access show about what men want (one thing only) makes him so popular that he’s hired to work alongside Abby, who naturally chafes at everything Mike stands for. Yet The Ugly Truth could not be more unpredictable, and men as well as women will like the refreshing story line and the crisp direction by Robert Luketic (Legally Blonde, Monster-in-Law). The Ugly Truth is more than a little raunchy, and it deserves its 15 rating, but there’s hilarity in its crudeness. The DVD includes a gag reel that shows that the cast had every bit as much fun creating the film as the viewer has watching it.
Love Happens (12) Burke (Aaron Eckhart), a successful and hugely popular self-help guru has all the answers but no time or intention to fall in love again.
Charming florist Eloise (Jennifer Aniston) on the other hand has no plan for life but tends to fall in love head over heels... unfortunately for her...usually with the wrong men. When they meet by chance in a hotel lobby and get overwhelmed by instant attraction, their lives get turned upside down and with the help of Eloise’s friend Marty (Judy Greer, 27 Dresses) and Burke s relative (Martin Sheen, The West Wing), they soon realise that in order to have a future, they first need to confront their past.
The Time Traveller’s Wife (12) A Chicago librarian suffers from a rare genetic disorder that sends him hurtling through time whenever he is under extreme duress; despite the fact that he vanishes at inordinately frequent and lengthy intervals, he attempts to build a stable future with the beautiful young heiress he loves.
Cirque de Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant Sixteen year old Darren (Chris Massoglia) is your typical teenager; he spends most of his time with his best friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson), earns decent grades, and generally manages to stay out of trouble.
But trouble finds Darren when he and Steve make the acquaintance of a vampire named Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly) while attending a travelling freak show at a local theatre. Transformed into a bloodsucker by Crepsley, Darren joins the Cirque du Freak. As Darren works to master his new found powers as a budding member of the supernatural underworld, he becomes a valued pawn between the vampires and their deadlier rivals, the Vampanese.
The Taking of Pelham 123 Four armed men seize a New York City subway train, isolate one car, and threaten to start killing passengers if a ransom isn’t paid within the hour.
The ransom was a million dollars in the book and also in Joseph Sargent’s solid 1974 movie, in which Robert Shaw played the mercenary leading the hostage takers and Walter Matthau was the growling transit cop trying to outsmart him. In 2009, the title has gone digital - The Taking of Pelham 123 - and inflation has jumped the asking price to $10 million. Where Shaw’s menace was steely, John Travolta opts for manic, and shamelessly has a blast in the master villain role. His adversary, cagily underplayed by Denzel Washington, has been upgraded in civil-service rank but also demoted on suspicion of taking a bribe. This colours the dynamics of the dialogue between Washington at his control-centre console and Travolta on the motorman’s microphone aboard the stalled train.
Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams star in this dramatic fantasy, which is directed by acclaimed German filmmaker Robert Schwentke (FLIGHTPLAN) and based on the best-selling book by author Audrey Niffenegger.
Up (U)
By tying thousands of balloons to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfil his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn’t alone on his journey, as Russell - a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior - has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip. Even by Pixar’s elevated standards, Up is an exceptional film that will appeal of audiences of all ages.
I have this nagging suspicion that everyone is out to make me paranoid.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
BOOKSPOT
How women’s emails are different from men’s emails Code Switching
by Claire Damken Brown Audrey Nelson Think of the last time you received a long, supportive email that was both personally engaging and emotive. Who wrote it to you? Overwhelming probability is that it was a woman. Messages sent by men tend to be short, to the point, and with precise orders.
The differences in how men and women communicate has been highlighted in a recent book ‘Code Switching: How to Talk So Men Will Listen’. The authors examine other aspects of life at the office, from who plays devil’s advocate, and who makes most of the jokes, to who interrupts other people the most. The aim is to help women increase their assertive communication skills, so that men will take them seriously in the workplace. AMAZON PRICE: £8.42 (Paperback) If Woody Allen had married Natalie Wood, divorced her and married Gregory Peck, divorced him and married Ben Hur, he’d be Woody Wood Peck Hur. My wife ran away with my best friend, and to tell you the truth, I really miss him.
There are no stupid questions, but there are a lot of inquisitive idiots.
15
16
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
As always, January heralds a new allotment year. We always promise ourselves an improvement on the previous year, sometimes we achieve it, sometimes we don’t but this is the fascination of allotments.
Our first important date is our AGM, which is on February 6th at 10am at the village hall. All members, with their wives or husbands are welcome. Tea and biscuits will be served as usual. Although serious business is discussed, we do manage to have some laughs as well. As always raffle prizes will be gratefully received. As January is a quiet month on the plots I would like to tell you about the allotments at Wellsnext-the-Sea. We visit Wells in the summer and no holiday to us would be complete without a visit to their plots. They have two sites, one well inland and the other just the other side of the sea defence bank, so wind blown sea spray can be a problem; I have seen runner bean leaves burnt by the salt spray. This is the site we like to visit, if you go along the quay past John Crook’s chandlery making your way to the crab boiling sheds then up onto the sea bank, walk a little way along the ridge then drop down to a foot
Groby Allotment Society News
path and there are the allotments. To our eyes they are more like smallholdings than allotments. Imagine a very large corrugated asbestos nissen hut containing a tractor and implements, another
Now if you are going to grow leeks this is the way to do it a double plot full of them, plus a few pumpkins. all blacked out full of hens cackling away, at least I think they were hens. Two separate plots contained flocks of geese all honking at anyone approaching but with only a four-foot fence to keep the fox out. (On querying this later I was told that Lordly (Lord Leicester) owns all the surrounding fields and shoots, enough said.) The first time we entered the site we approached a plot holder, he just looked awhile then uttered where are you from? I said Leicester, he muttered, “We don’t like strangers and I don’t like Leicester. Been there once couldn’t get out fast enough!” I agreed saying, it is not a nice place. I told him of our plot at Groby and we discussed his. The ice was thawing so I asked about a double plot completely planted with runner beans, another with just potatoes and about the geese and hens enough for all the inhabitants of the town, he looked and replied “That’s right!” I got the message. Another plot was completely covered with raspberry canes. We said goodbye promising to return the following year.
On a later visit we met the same person who remembered us from our last visit so no introduction was required but I was still intrigued by the plots with just one product. However some of the plots are like cottage gardens with sheds which can only be described as beach chalets and beautifully tended, It was explained to me that these mostly belonged to folk from London who have a flat in the town and come up every weekend to experience to calm atmosphere of Wells. He assured me the geese are just there to keep the weeds
What about this on the plots!
For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat and wrong.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
17
sparkling From John Thornton (on tour!) Helen’s Christmas present Helen Staniforth of Burbage, had a fantastic early Christmas present after winning a jewellery store contest. She successfully picked out the real diamond from a line-up of imposters in the competition run by Cathy Stephens jewellery shop, in Groby. Helen now gets to keep the sparkling, one carat diamond, which is worth £5,300.
NEW YEAR BARGAINS Quality Used Children’s Clothes & Toys down on a vacant plot! They don’t seem to have a procedure to tackle poorly managed plots. I explained our strict management system, and he seemed impressed. I asked what the local council thought of the mass production on the site, he just looked and said “What do you mean?” I replied that it seems a little commercial. He answered that the council had queried the commercial side of some of the plots I asked what did you do, he answered, “Nothing - just carried on.” The council then suggested that they sell produce on a certain day when a town car park becomes a market, again I asked what did you do, the answer was the same “Nothing”. This is the attitude we could do with more of in the
Now this is what you call an allotment shed. country. There is a lady from the plots who cycles around the town with a wooden box fixed to the rear carrier containing in season fresh produce, and she seems to have a regular clientele. My new friend could see I was a little baffled by the system so to add to my bewilderment he added: “If you wait a little while she will be down to feed her sheep.” “Sheep?” I said. “Yes, sheep, There’s two or three on that plot over there.” Sure enough fully grown sheep. I have thought for some time that this area of Norfolk was an independent state, what a wonderfully carefree way to live, no wonder they live to a grand old age.
A sale will be held in the Groby Village Hall on Sunday 24th January, 10am until 1pm. Admission is 50p, light refreshments will be available courtesy of the Ladies of the WI. If you need to create some space after the Christmas holidays please call Dawn on 0116 2311032 as there are still some tables available at a cost of £5, all sale profits to go to the table holder. (Table fee is in support of the Groby Toddlers Group)
ENJOY DRUM LESSONS • Full Ebony/Gold Plated Premier Signia Kit Provided • All Grades (Trinity Guildhall-Rock School)/All Ages/All Areas Rock/Pop/Jazz/Orchestral Qualified Professional Drummer Home Visits If Required. Beginners (& Advanced) Welcome • KITS BOUGHT & SOLD • • • •
A Friendly & Effective 1-2-1 Learning Experience
A small sample of the resident geese.
By doing just a little each day, I can gradually let the task overwhelm me.
18
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Loose Women - getting tips from Groby WI? Margaret Gamble’s report from Groby’s branch of the Women’s Institute
D
ecember, this year, has been a bit like the curate’s egg, good in parts.
Luckily on the whole there has been more good egg than bad. We began by entering the Christmas Tree Festival in the Church and were more than pleased to be placed second. Not that competition should really come into it but it is very pleasing to know that our members were recognised for their hard work. It looked lovely, little sacks were made and several members decorated them with the advent calendar. It even smelt lovely with the gingerbread houses. (Thank goodness smells are not fattening.) Our neighbouring Institute at Markfield were hosts to our Group Carol Service, a few of our members joining in. Then we had the whole Federation of Leics. and Rutland Institutes Carol Concert at All Nations on Frog Island. About 300 went and it really was a lovely concert. There were choirs, bell ringers, readings including some very funny ones – an up to date version of the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and one of “The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven”. We had a great time singing along with three talented but amusing lady bell ringers.
Television Centre visit
A coach full went to London mainly to visit the Television Centre where they watched a recording of “Loose Women” (perhaps they wanted to pick up a few tips!) The celebrity guests, perhaps I shouldn’t say this, were rather disappointing as most of us had never heard of them. However, members enjoyed the show and apparently the “warm-up” comic was good. He made some comment about a WI being present and apologised beforehand if one or two of his
jokes were rather rude. He must have been taken aback when “someone” in the audience shouted out, “We probably wrote them!” Don’t some folk let you down. They were able to look around the Christmas shops and finished up the trip, after dark, with a tour of the Christmas lights. We had two lovely meals. Our annual Christmas dinner was held at the White Horse at Desford. We were very pleased with the comments we had from our diners as to what an excellent time they had had. It’s very gratifying for the organisers to know that their hard work was enjoyed. Then at our monthly meeting we had a speaker on a “Victorian Christmas”. Unfortunately it was not what we were expecting and most were rather disappointed with the talk. It was all very formal not the usual Yuletide fun we have. However on the upside, the meal was wonderful, all down to just a few including a few husbands roped in
to help set up. Unfortunately, they were then thrown out when it came to the party. We finished up with a sing song which I enjoyed but as to whether the rest did, I don’t know as I gave it my usual “welly”, plus the fact I am no singer, as they found out. (My husband has just read this bit and said that perhaps I am another Susan Boyle – I must say though he has a little hearing problem and is a very kind person.) We begin 2010 with a “Cliff Richard Impersonator”. The meeting is on the 21st January at the Village Hall starting at 7.30p.m. So perhaps we shall have the chance of another singalong led properly! Come along if you want to, you are very welcome. On behalf of Groby WI may I wish all residents of Groby A VERY HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS BUT ESPECIALLY HAPPY 2010.
MARGARET GAMBLE
Groby WI Programme for 2010 GROBY W I PROGRAMME FOR 2010 21st January
Cliff Richard Impersonator
Will Chandler
18 February
Life as a Photo Journalist
Deborah Brady
18th March
“Chocolate”
Tom Philips
15th April
Toastmaster
Marion Channing
20th May
Resolutions
th
th
17 June
My Parade of Hits as a Session Drummer
Dougie Wright
15th July
Fabulous Fuchsias
Geoff Smith
The Adventures of the Pea Green Board
Douglas Maas
Ireland Some Unusual Places
Roger Hailwood
Caroline Chisholme Victorian Lady
Carol Walker
th
19 August th
16 September st
21 October th
18 November
AGM
16th December
Festive Cookery Demonstration
Anne Holden
LETTER Poo on Stamford Memorial Park
One of my pastimes - when time & weather permit - is kite-flying, a pretty harmless sport shared by many others, I’ve found. Recently, when trying out a new purchase, I was obliged to keep an eye on the ground as much as in the sky, to avoid the deposits left by (seemingly) large dogs being exercised by less responsible owners. Fortunately, the kite did not land in any of these noxious piles, but this whole situation took some of the enjoyment out of the session. I am mindful also that families with young children also use the park, especially in summer, and am thus concerned on behalf of the parents and other park users that a facility provided for the enjoyment of all is becoming a health hazard. Whilst recognising that responsible owners are the majority, is there any realistic way of taking those others to task, given that byelaws already exist which - pardon the unintentional pun - appear to have no actual bite?
Paul Ayrton
Champagne Winner
The winner of the bottle of champagne in last month’s issue was Janet Jordan of Hilary Crescent in Groby.
Janet has written to us to say that she was thrilled to win the prize, and that she celebrated the New Year in style! Well done Janet. And thank you to the management team at Budgens in Groby for kindly supplying the prize.
“ Everything From A Blown Fuse To A Complete Re-wire! ”
Your Local & Fully Qualified ELECTRICIAN
Fuse Box Upgrades, Rewiring, New Circuits Kitchen, Bathroom & Garden Electrics Burglar Alarms, TV & Phone Sockets Testing, Inspections, Fault Finding & Repairs Sockets, Lights, Heating, Fans etc
Call Now For A FREE Estimate! Mobile: 0798 0911 869
Office:(0116) 2872338
Website Address: www.pqelectrics.com
I met the bloke who invented crosswords today. I can’t remember his name, it’s P something T something R.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Governors - your school needs you! Anyone who thought being a school governor involved organising fetes and discos is being urged to think again.
A campaign has started to recruit around 300 new school governors across Leicestershire and is proving there is more to the role than many may assume. Governors play a vital part in raising standards and achievement and are involved in many areas including recruitment, business management and working with Ofsted. The post gives people the opportunity to give something back to the local community, contribute ideas and influence decisions to try and help every pupil reach their full potential. There are around 4,000 governors at schools across Leicestershire but by showing what the role entails, it is hoped to attract more. Ivan Ould, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Children and Young People’s Service, said: “Governors work as a team and serve their school in a wide variety of ways. “They help to maintain the high standards already being achieved and ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people. “The most important factor is an interest and enthusiasm for improving education locally and I would urge people to get in touch to find out more.” The County Council holds induction sessions for governors to give an initial overview of the role and its responsibilities. This is then followed up with ongoing training to keep them up to date with new legislation, initiatives or special interests. To find out more about becoming a school governor, please visit the County Council’s website at: www.leics.gov.uk/governors or call the Governor Development Service on 0116 305 6435. Alternatively, people can contact their local school.
Sleep – for your brain’s sake!
A good night’s sleep really does help your brain work the next day. In fact, if you have a new experience, go to sleep on it. You will wake up to find that your brain has consolidated and made sense of the new information better than if you stayed awake. Sleep appears to strengthen connections between communication nerve cells in the brain, a process which seems to form the basis of learning and memory. The research was done by scientists in Switzerland.
A cowboy walks into a German car showroom and says “Audi”.
19
February 14th will soon be here ..
Some facts about St Valentine’s Day • FREE Quotes • Boiler Replacements • Full Central Heating Systems • Up to 5 Year Guarantee • Senior Citizen Discount • Over 25 Years Experience www.ukgasservices.co.uk 13 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0DQ
5663
0116 287 8000
There are two confusing things about this day of romance and anonymous love-cards strewn with lace, cupids and ribbon: firstly, there seems to have been two different Valentines in the 4th century - one a priest martyred on the Flaminian Way, under the emperor Claudius, the other a bishop of Terni martyred at Rome. And neither seems to have had any clear connection with lovers or courting couples.
So why has Valentine become the patron saint of romantic love? By Chaucer’s time the link was assumed to be because on these saints’ day -14 February - the birds are supposed to pair. Or perhaps the custom of seeking a partner on St Valentine’s Day is a surviving scrap of the old Roman Lupercalia festival, which took place in the middle of February. One of the Roman gods honoured during this Festival was Pan, the god of nature. Another was Juno, the goddess of women and marriage. During the Lupercalia it was a popular custom for young men to draw the name of a young unmarried woman from a name-box. The two would then be partners or ‘sweethearts’ during the time of the celebrations. Even modern Valentine decorations bear an ancient symbol of love - Roman cupids with their bows and love-arrows. There are no churches in England dedicated to Valentine, but since 1835 his relics have been claimed by the Carmelite church in Dublin.
A husband says to his wife: “I was a fool when I married you.” “I know,” she replies, “But I was in love and didn’t notice.”
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
LETTER Ratby Village Design Statement has been adopted The detailed design work is over. The team’s weekly meetings are at an end.
Photographs of Ratby used in displays at the Crow Pie Carnival, Vicarage Garden Fete, Primary School and Library are packed away. Ratby’s Village Design Statement was formally adopted by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council on 15th December 2009. To see a copy of this excellent document, Ratby Library have one which is available to inspect free-ofcharge, or you can have it sent to you directly on request by contacting the Startegy and Regeneration Team at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council on 01455 238141. A charge for a hard copy will be payable. The completed document will be used through the planning application process to guide the design of future development in Ratby until 2026.
Jayne Rayne
21
Take the winter stress off your heart
Careful Winter Fun Young hearts across the country have been enjoying plenty of snow fun, but for many adults the freezing conditions could spell trouble for our hearts.
Deaths from Coronary Heart Disease tend to peak in the winter months. The body’s reaction to the cold is to constrict blood vessels which could narrow furred up arteries even more and reduce the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, triggering a heart attack. Blood pressure also increases in response to the cold and strenuous activities like snow shovelling can place an extra strain on the heart muscle, especially if you’ve been less active over the holidays. What’s more, the trials of getting to and from work safely can be very stressful and add an extra burden. Take the winter stress off your heart and be friendly to your heart and arteries: • always wrap up warmly when heading out and breathe through your nose or through a scarf • shovelling snow or pulling kids up slopes on their sledges is great exercise, but if you aren’t as fit as you should be then be extra careful and do only what is necessary. Take frequent breaks so you don’t over exert yourself and push snow aside rather than lifting it • keep warm and hydrated with hot drinks and bowls of homemade soup • ditch the car and walk where you can within your fitness range - walking in snow burns extra calories but don’t be overambitious Winter weather doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors and do nothing, just take care after the excesses of the holidays, build up your fitness again slowly and make this the year the one that you start tackling any risk factors for heart disease for the long-term benefit of your heart. For more information and advice about healthy living, contact Heart Research UK on or email lifestyle@heartresearch.org.uk
I bought some HP Sauce the other day. It’s costing me 6p a month for the next two years.
22
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Community groups may have to turn off music
According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, village halls, churches and community groups may have to turn off their music under a new regulation being imposed.
From April, charities and community groups are set to lose their exemption from the requirement to hold a PPL performance rights licence in order to play recorded music on their premises. The official ‘’impact assessment’’ found that a quarter of a million organisations could be affected by the £81-a-year fee, including 140,000 charities, 6,750 charity shops, 66,440 sports clubs, 4,000 community buildings, 5,000 rural halls and 45,000 religious buildings. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has launched a ‘’Don’t Stop the Music’’ campaign against the changes, which they say could hit Scouts or Guides having a Friday evening disco or older people having a Sunday afternoon tea dance.
The Co-Operative Reports Strong Christmas And New Year Trading
The Co-operative Group, the UK’s largest mutual retailer, has reported a strong Christmas and New Year trading performance in its food stores.
Like-for-like sales (including VAT and excluding fuel) increased by 5.0 per cent in the three-week festive trading period to 2 January, and by 4.8 per cent in the 12 weeks to 2 January. This is the sixteenth consecutive quarter of like-for-like sales growth. In the same 12 weeks, total year-on-year sales (inc. VAT, exc. fuel) grew by 66 per cent, boosted by the acquisition of Somerfield.
Churches Together in Groby We must not, in thinking about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make, which over time add up to big differences we often cannot foresee. Marian Wright Edelman Fair Cuppa: an opportunity to meet with friends at the village hall. All tea/coffee is fairtrade Every Thursday, 10.00—11.30am. Urban Saints During term time, held at the URC chapel: games, friends, crafts and a Christian basis to discussions. - for 5’s to 14’s on Mon evenings at 3.45pm, 6.30pm or 7.45pm - for 15-18’s on Wed evenings at 7.30pm - for 15-18’s o Fri at 7.30pm More details on the church websites Sunday services: please see websites and church magazines St. Philip and St. James www.bradgateteam.org.uk Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090 United Reformed Church www.grobyurc.org.uk Mrs Norma Whittaker 287 6606 Children/Youth Worker Deb Goodhead 07730 596309
I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Recycling Service Update Q. What’s changing? A. The Clear Bags used for Cardboard Recycling are being replaced with a Reusable Yellow Bag. The new reusable Yellow Bag has a Velcro fastened lid and weighted bottom. Cardboard recycling can no longer be put in the Brown Bin with immediate effect; this is due to it not being recycled quickly as it went to a farm for composting before being recycled. Q. New Re-useable Yellow Cardboard Recycling Bag? A. You will shortly receive a new reusable yellow bag for cardboard recycling which is specially weighted so it doesn’t blow around and has a Velcro fastened lid and two handles! Items that can go into the Cardboard Recycling Bag: All types of Cardboard, Cereal boxes, Junk Mail, Envelopes, Directories, Food Packaging Sleeves A new supply of Orange disposable bags for Plastic Recycling will be delivered to you soon. Please continue to recycle plastics in the same way as you have done for the last twelve months. Q. Brown Bin Cardboard Recycling A. As a result of the new yellow reusable cardboard recycling bag, cardboard should not be placed in the brown bin from now on. If this means you no longer require a brown bin please contact HBBC and they will arrange to have it removed for you. Q. What should I do as a resident? A. Pay special attention to the new recycling calendar delivered to your address just before Christmas. This now contains details of the Black Bin, Brown Bin, Blue Box, Reusable Yellow Bag Cardboard and Orange Bag Plastics recycling / refuse collection details. Useful information on what happens to the recycled materials can also be found in the calendar leaflet. Lost yours? Contact HBBC for a replacement details below Q. Will my bin collection day change? A. No. Q. What day is my collection now? A. See the new collection calendar delivered through your door just before Christmas 2009 (explains everything). This replaces any other calendars you may already have Please note, all services, including blue box / bag collections will commence at 7.00am (the earliest possible collection time on the due day). For more information? Telephone HBBC on: 01455 238141 : Or HBBC web site: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
Cllr Martin Cartwright
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Councillor Groby Ward Chairman DSO Board - Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
I realised I was dyslexic when I went to a toga party dressed as a goat.
23
Marrying couples turn to ‘meshing’ Boy marries girl – what last name do they use? Gone are the days when the girl used the boy’s name automatically. But the day has not yet arrived when the boy is happy to use the girl’s name.
And so, the solution? Double-barrel your names, or mesh them. To double-barrel is easy: simply put one last name after the other. Meshing is a bit more complex - when the couple is willing to spend £52 each on changing their names.... by ‘meshing’ them together. The first recorded ‘mesh’ was in America, when Jean Westhafer and Paul Moore of New York got married and because the Westmoores back in 1975. Figures from the UK Deed Poll Service show a growth in the number of people choosing to change their names. Last year more than 50,000 decided to do so – double the number as in 2005. Thus, for example, Richard Harland and Louise Anderson became the Harlandersons when they got married. As Richard said: “It makes a statement that we are a unit and treat each other as equal.” What happens when two double-barrels want to marry each other? Or two meshers, come to that..
lowe’s
plumbing & heating
Central Heating Breakdowns and Repairs Boiler Installations / Replacements Free Quotes 30 Years Exp. Landlords Gas Safety Certificates No Callout Fee 10% Off for OAP’s System Power Flushing 0116 2879760 / 07925 802265 Servicing info@lowesplumbingandheating.co.uk
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Murdered to death in Groby Village Hall Groby Players are presenting ‘Murdered to Death, by Peter Gordon, in the Village Hall, Groby on the 11th /12th /13th March 2010.
This hilarious Agatha Christie spoof murder mystery, contains all the usual suspects to be found in a 1930’s country house. Will the bumbling Inspector Pratt, and the young Constable Thompkins manage to solve the crime? Or will Miss Maple reveal the murderer? Or will the audience die laughing? If you would like the answers to all these questions, purchase a ticket and enjoy a great evening’s entertainment in your local community. Tickets will be on sale in the Village Hall on Saturdays mornings, between 10am-12noon, beginning January 30th or Tel/text 07721861033 / 0116 2877373 or email dot@dhollins.freeserve.co.uk
Shorter opening hours at Barclays’ Groby branch
Barclays have announced changes to the opening hours for their branch at 24 Ratby Road in Groby.
With effect from week commencing Monday 18th January 2010, the Groby branch will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm.
25
Closing date nearing for school places Parents of children due to start school for the first time are being urged not to miss the closing date for places.
There are around seven weeks left for applications for infant or primary school places for children who will be four years old by 1st September. All parents need to apply and must do this by 22nd February – even for their child to attend their catchment area school. Late applicants may not be offered a place at any of their preferred schools, or even their catchment area school so parents are being urged to make sure they don’t miss the closing date. To apply for a place, please visit www.leics.gov.uk/ admissions , contact the County Council’s Allocations Section for a form or pick one up from local schools. Ivan Ould, County Council Cabinet Member for the Children and Young People’s Service, said: “It is very important that all parents apply on time to give their children the best possible chance of being offered a place in their preferred school. If parents are late and there are a lot of requests, even if they live next door to the school, they are unlikely to get a place for their child.” “Last year, we were very successful in meeting parents’ preferences but as always, late applicants run the risk of disappointment as schools do become full.” For a form or more information, please contact the Allocations Section on 0116 305 6684 or email admissions@leics.gov.uk . • Last year’s primary admission figures have not yet been calculated but at secondary level, 97.5% of parents who applied on time received their first preference making Leicestershire one of the top performing authorities in this respect in the country. The County Council encourages parents to apply via the website online and this year, over 50% of transfer applications were made online. The admissions process adheres to central government rules and gives parents the right to have an appeal heard by an independent panel.
National Salt Awareness Week 1 – 7 Feb
Too much salt can do very unpleasant things to you: from high blood pressure to osteoporosis, obesity, stomach cancer, kidney stones, and stroke. Little wonder, then, that the group Consensus Action on Salt and Health has launched a National Salt Awareness Week. (see their website: www.actiononsalt.org.uk) Did you know that cutting people’s salt intake by one teaspoon a day could save around four million lives every year? So says the British Medical Journal. On average, we in the West eat almost 10g of salt a day, despite the World Health Organisation warning that we should stick to 5g (or one teaspoon) a day.
Eight vehicles stolen as owners leave them to defrost
The New Year got off to a bad start for eight motorists in Leicestershire whose vehicles were stolen after they left them unattended with their engines running in order to defrost.
Police are hoping the thefts will serve as a warning to other motorists as the cold weather continues. The first vehicle was stolen from Thurmaston on New Year’s Day. Over the weekend a further two cars were stolen – one from the Beaumont Leys area on Saturday January 2 and the other from Braunstone on Sunday. While the majority of people returned to work after the Christmas period on Monday January 4, two vehicles were stolen in the Beaumont Leys area, one from Sapcote and a further vehicle from Hinckley. This morning (Wednesday January 6) another vehicle was stolen from the Beaumont Leys area. In all cases the vehicles had been left with their engines running while the vehicle heating system cleared ice and snow from the windscreen. Pc Alan Cook, Crime Reduction Officer for the City Area of Leicestershire Constabulary, said: “Leaving your car with its engine running is an open invitation for someone to just get in and drive off. Most car thieves are opportunists who are just looking for that one chance to steal your car, but others specifically take advantage of the cold weather and are actively on the look out for an easy target. “Offences like these can easily be avoided and we are urging everyone to remove their keys from the ignition whenever their vehicle is unattended and to make sure that it is locked and that all additional security measures are activated. “It may delay your journey for a few minutes while you wait for your car to defrost, but the cost of a can of de-icer and a scraper is nothing compared to the price of a new car. Our past experience is that insurance companies will not pay out for cars stolen in these circumstances.” It is also an offence to leave a car with an engine running on a public highway, due to the risk of it causing an accident. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.
I phoned the local ramblers club today, but the bloke who answered just went on and on.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
26 BUPLEURUM
Not a name well known to most – and plants of this Genus rarely appear for sale in Garden Centres. Well worth introducing to readers, however, to recommend one member, the evergreen shrub, Bupleurum Fruticosum. It is quite hardy, low growing to about 3 feet, with good bluish/green small-leaved foliage. It’s flowers, long-lasting
from July to September, yellowish/ green, are reminiscent of Euphorbia and quite distinct from any other shrub. In passing I should mention that most Bupleurums are small growing annuals or perennials. Most well-known of the latter are B Falcatum and B. Longifolium, both usually seed raised and highly-prized, particularly by flowerarrangers, for their spectacular umbrella-shaped flower-heads. Bupleurums are Umbellifers – think of Cow-Parsley!
TRACHELOSPERMUM Sorry about these Latin-sounding names, but like the above, there is no well recognised common name, but unlike Bupleurum, Trachelospermums are readily available at Garden Retailers. Superb, heavily fragrant, white flowered, evergreen climbing shrubs. Need support when grown on their favourite sunny, south or west-facing walls. Slow-growing to
Gardening Notes with Ted
Brown of Markfield
Two Worthy Evergreen Shrubs Together With Some Seasonal Notes
eventually six or seven feet. There are two species of this Aristocratic family on offer – both rather expensive when purchased as trained, taller specimens. Hardier of the two is T. Asiaticum. Similar is T. Jasminoides, obviously named for its white Jasmine-like, July flowers. The latter has a cream and green variegated form which in Winter assumes the most attractive hues of reddish/pink. Any Trachelospermum would make a handsome present for a keen gardener. The nasty spell of Winter weather we are experiencing should serve as a reminder that in spite of generally milder, climate change, conditions, care is needed when planting, both in timing and siting. Evergreens, and any other plants slightly vulnerable, are best planted in late Spring. We now tend to leave Dahlias, Cannas etc. in the ground over winter – fine but a thick mulch should ensure no losses. As I write a
weather forecaster has mentioned a possible worst Winter in 50 years. Hopefully those Cordyline Palms, Pittosporums and other so-called exotics will survive this spell. Now is catalogue, both plant & seed, browsing time. Naturally companies plug their latest introductions which may, or may not, supersede old tried and tested friends. Producing new plants, and indeed their catalogues also, is an expensive operation. We long want it to continue, so let’s, at least, be somewhat seduced into buying. I learn from friends in the trade that plant sales have fallen dramatically in recent years. Also have you noticed the decline of smallspecialist nurseries in our area?
VEGETABLES Growing one’s own is not about cost – but lack of pesticides, freshness and best of all that taste, when picked and cooked within a couple of hours or so. Statistics suggest that there is a continuing influx of new converts. They must be overwhelmed by the huge variety of different seeds available. ‘Award of Merit’ plants
is a guide, as are, too, lists of ‘Customers Favourites’. Also lists of ‘Patio’ vegetables are helpful as suggestions for container-grown vegetables. Two favourite crops are Runner Beans and Tomatoes - former in the ground, Tomatoes in pots. For Beans choose a stringless variety (‘White-Lady’ remains supreme), ‘Gardeners’ Delight’ provides masses of small tasty Tomatoes but ‘Sungold’ is even better.
POTATOES Earlies are the ones to grow whether in the ground or containers. Seed potatoes are now available in very small packs – ideal for a few in containers. Buy early, get chitting (encouraging green sprouts, but away from frosts) and then plant early. When willing to give a little frost protection planting may be as early as end of February. Such protection is easy with containers. In the open ground just risk a small row, with a few sheets of newspapers handy to cover on frosty evenings. Sensibly, planting about a month later is normal.
ONIONS Sets – small onions held-back in growth the previous season – are now the usual means of planting and growing, but almost always in the open ground. Worth trying is planting these in containers, an inch or two apart. Large onions these will never be, but will give a supply of strongly flavoured ‘Spring’ Onions. Ordinary Spring Onions, of the ‘Lisbon’ type are also well suited to container growing.
TARRAGON A herb, particularly suited to most fish and meat dishes, is less often grown than most others. Also not usually available in Supermarkets. The French, rather than the Russian type, is the one to try. Buy growing plants in small pots from Garden Centres. Propagate then from cuttings. Tarragon is a member of the Artemisia family.
The Old Thatched Inn
Main St. Stanton 01530 242460
HOOTS MON! BURNS NIGHT FUN QUIZ SAT 23RD JANUARY START : 8.30PM
50 question quiz with a Scottish theme & free taste of Scotland nibbles
£50 to the winners – Teams of 4 £2 per person entry
WEARING OF KILTS IS OPTIONAL – WELL BEHAVED SPORRANS ARE WELCOME
Never answer a letter until you get a second one on the same subject from the same person.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
27
December 2009 crime figures for Groby and Field Head
The following incidents were reported to the Police in the local area during December 2009. Description
Groby
Field Head
House Burglaries Actual: Markfield Road, Windsor Avenue Attempted: Timberwood Drive
2 Actual 1 Attempted
0
Garage, Shed, Outbuilding Burglaries Actual: Bradgate Hill Attempted: Foxglove Drive
2 Actual 1 Attempted
0
Theft of Motor Vehicle: Timberwood Drive, Markfield Road
2
4
Theft from Motor Vehicle: 2 x Markfield Road, Lancaster Court, Ratby Road
4
0
Damage to Motor Vehicle:
0
1
Non-Domestic Assaults
2
0
Robbery: None
0
0
Crimes That Don’t Affect Residents Homes or Cars
8
0
TOTAL (Actual)
20
5
TOTAL (Attempted)
2
0
Theft: 2 / Damage: 0 / Other:6
Anstey & District Funeral Service Independent Family-Run Funeral Directors
We take care of every detail, advise and help you every step of the way.
Local crime news in more detail is available at www.groby.org.uk Information supplied by Martin Cartwright - Secretary - Groby Branch Neighbourhood Watch - Tel: 0116 2874500 • Mobile: 07850 707050 Email: neighbourhoodwatch@appliancehome.co.uk In An Emergency dial 999. Contact the local police on 0116 222-2222. CRIMESTOPPERS: 0800 555111
• •
New Venue Groby Village Hall, New room to the rear of the main hall
Calendar of Events Thursday 4th or 18th March 2010 at 7.30pm date to be confirmed Thursday 10th June 2010 at 7.30pm Thursday 9th September 2010 at 7.30pm Thursday 2nd December 2010 at 7.30pm
A woman goes into a clothes shop, “Can I try that dress on in the window, please?” she asks. “I’m sorry, Madam,” replies the assistant, “but you’ll have to use the changing rooms like everyone else.”
• • • •
Traditional hearse & fleet Horse drawn carriages, motorcycle hearse & alternatives available Memorial showroom Extensive car parking Private catering suite Private chapels of rest Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred
0116 234 0548 Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AT
www.ansteyfunerals.com
I never panic when I get lost. I just change where it is I want to go.
28
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Genuine announcements made by Tube drivers Below is a list of actual announcements that London Tube drivers have made to their passengers: •
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I do apologise for the delay to your service. I know you’re all dying to get home unless, of course, you happen to be married to my ex wife, in which case you’ll want to cross over to the Westbound and go in the opposite direction.”
•
“Your delay this evening is caused by the line controller suffering from E & B syndrome: not knowing his elbow from his backside. I’ll let you know any further information as soon as I’m given any.”
•
“Let the passengers off the train FIRST!” (pause.) “Oh go on then, stuff yourselves in like sardines, see if I care -- I’m going home.....”
•
“We can’t move off because some idiot has their hand stuck in the door.”
•
“Please move all baggage away from the doors.” (pause..) “Please move ALL belongings away from the doors.” (pause ...) “This is a personal message to the man in the brown suit wearing glasses at the rear of the train: Put the pie down, and move your flipping golf clubs away from the door before I come down there and ....
Don’t Miss the Groby Club Annual Pantomime!
It only takes four men to wallpaper a house, but you have to slice them thinly.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
29
BOOKSPOT DAEMON By Daniel Suarez Matthew Sobol, programming genius, founder of CyberStorm Entertainment, one of the richest and most powerful of Silicon Valley’s elite, is dead, but his final creation lives on to execute his last will and testament.
At the moment of Sobol’s death, computer programs around the world burst into life, creating an entity known as the Daemon. The Daemon infiltrates our hyperconnected society, gathering secrets, stealing identities. Soon it has the power to change lives as well as the power to take them: those who serve the Daemon are rewarded; those who defy it are eliminated. Recruiting acolytes from the dispossessed and disaffected, the Daemon secures a growing stranglehold on the world’s most precious commodity: information. And once you control information itself, how easy would it be to remake the world? It is up to an unlikely alliance - a computer illiterate detective and a white-hat hacker with secrets of his own - to challenge the monster that Sobol unleashed from beyond the grave. But before they can confront the Daemon they must discover what it wants... AMAZON PRICE: £4.79 (Paperback - 448 pages)
A Selection of Humorous Items as reported in Newspapers ... The following items apparently actually appeared in newspapers: •
Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said, “We agree it was rather high for this time of year. It’s possible Mr. Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house.” (The Daily Telegraph)
•
Irish police are being handicapped in a search for a stolen van, because they cannot issue a description. It’s a Special Branch vehicle, and they don’t want the public to know what it looks like. (The Guardian)
•
At the height of the gale, the harbour master radioed a coast guard and asked him to estimate the wind speed. He replied he was sorry, but he didn’t have a gauge. However, if it was any help, the wind has just blown his Land Rover off the cliff. (Aberdeen Evening Express)
I have a really nice step ladder but, sadly, I never knew my real ladder.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
30
1st Prize: Win A £25 Meal Voucher to Spend at Frankie & Benny’s! 2nd Prize: Win A £10 DVD Hire Voucher to Spend Word Search Puzzleat Glenfield Moviezone! E H U M A N L E A G U E V T S S
Y T U L T R A V O X A Z T E P N
S M I C A O Z T Y E B Q A A A I
R E E M K T U X K G E L D R N W
K E G D A A Q S Y H B X F S D T
H A O A A N F G D L Z K F F A N
T R J S M C Y Q Q Q X B E O U O
L C N A P I A D T T V R H R B S
Z B G T G E D M O I Z H E F A P
J M F T N O E E A I Z K H E L M
N J S K X V O D R E D T F A L O
N T E Q D Z I G W E R U M R E H
V L I N B G S P O A T D A S T T
T P S J P H Z S U O G L E G I U
A R E M A C C E T Z A O A H I B
D E P E C H E M O D E S N X T B
Name: .................................................................................................
ALTEREDIMAGES AZTECCAMERA BIGAUDIODYNAMITE .................................................................Postcode: ............................. DEPECHEMODE If you can spot the names of 12 POP GROUPS FROM THE 1980s in HUMANLEAGUE the Wordsearch grid above, you could win a £25 Meal Voucher to KAJAGOOGOO Spend at Frankie & Benny’s - or a £10 DVD Hire Voucher to spend at Glenfield Moviezone. REOSPEEDWAGON All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 pop groups from the 1980s. These can run SPANDAUBALLET vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). TEARSFORFEARS Send your marked entry forms to: EIGHTIES POP, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive THEDREAMACADEMY by Tuesday 5th January 2010. THOMPSONTWINS Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the Frankie & Benny’s ULTRAVOX
Address: ................................................................................................
Games Through The Ages
On Sunday January 17th Donington le Heath Manor House will host a games extravaganza.
The whole house will be set out with a huge range of indoor games from around the world and dating from prehistoric times through to the mid 20th century. On the day visitors can reminisce over games of their youth or learn to play for the first time. The collection of games that can be played includes pub games, such as ‘devil among the tailors’ and ‘shove ha’penny’, board games including chess, nine men’s morris, snakes and ladders and other games, such as snobs, dominoes and horse racing games. More exotic games, such as mancala, go and karum are also represented as well as early games, like the Viking game, Hnefatafl. The games are from the collection of Ernie and Sheila Miller of Loughborough, who, along with other games enthusiasts, will be on hand to explain the rules to visitors. Leicestershire County Council’s lead member for Museums, Councillor Meal Voucher and the sender of the second will win the Moviezone Ernie White, said “This promises to be a wonderful, fun and relaxed day DVD hire voucher (see ad on page 14). Good luck! with visitors getting together to play whichever games they choose from Here are 12 groups you have to find: a wide selection and for as long as they want. Whether visitors come as a family or on their own they can spend all day exploring these great games ALTERED IMAGES • AZTEC CAMERA • BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE Created Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com, sponsorship by Scotch. from the past in the delightful surroundings of the Manor House”. DEPECHE MODE • HUMAN by LEAGUE • KAJAGOOGOO Games through the Ages runs from 11-4pm and admission is free.
REO SPEEDWAGON • SPANDAU BALLET • TEARS FOR FEARS THE DREAM ACADEMY • THOMPSON TWINS • ULTRAVOX
Last Issue’s TWO Winners
Last issue’s first prize winner was MR.ROGER BROWN of Fieldcourt Road, Groby. You win a a £25 Meal Voucher to spend at http://www.scotchsciencefair.com/ Frankie & Benny’s. The winner of the second prize - a £10 DVD Hire Voucher to spend at Glenfield MovieZone - was Mrs.M. HEARNE of Leicester Road, Field Head. Congratulations! Your vouchers will be with you within 21 days. Sometimes I stare at a photograph of me and miss myself.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Snow gives clues to cannabis factory locations The recent cold weather could give vital clues about the drugs trade, Leicestershire Police have said.
Snow melting prematurely on roofs can be an indication that the properties are being used for illegally growing cannabis. Cannabis factories are generally equipped with high performance lighting, which generates huge amounts of heat. Sergeant Mel Thomas, from Hinckley local policing unit, said: “This is another clue that members of the public should be aware of. If the snow has melted from a neighbour’s house when everywhere else still has a covering, it could indicate that the house is being used for growing cannabis.” The warning came as officers seized more than 300 suspected cannabis plants. They discovered more than 100 plants when they entered a house in John Nicholls Street, Hinckley on 6th January. They found a further 200 at Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East, on the same day. One man has been arrested in connection with the find at Leicester Forest East, and remains in custody pending further police enquiries. No arrests have been made in connection with the other find, but enquiries are continuing. Sergeant Thomas also urged landlords as well as neighbours to come forward if they were suspicious that properties may be used as cannabis factories. Other things to look out for were: • Payment of large amounts of rent by cash, often for three months at a time • Excessive use of electricity to power strong lighting and ventilation systems – although frequently the electricity meter was bypassed to disguise this (£400 to £1000 a quarter – the landlord could be liable to pay this) • Obscured windows • Excessive condensation on the windows • The distinctive smell of cannabis in the street or through adjoining walls • Tenant references which prove bogus. Sergeant Thomas said: “If a landlord does discover cannabis growing in one of their properties, it is important they contact us before entering the property. If the electricity system has been bypassed it could be dangerous, and the supply needs to be isolated by the utility company which we will arrange.” If you have suspicions, phone Leicestershire Police on 0116 222 2222 and ask to speak to your Neighbourhood policing team, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
FENCING
S G S
SHOOTER GARDENING SERVICES
NEW & REPAIR WORK UNDERTAKEN ALL WOOD IS PRESSURE TREATED
CALL JIM SHOOTER . 95 LEICESTER ROAD, GROBY
0116 2879715 / 07814224630 Start off every day with a smile and get it over with.
31
Lose a stone in a month
*
AT YOUR LOCAL ROSEMARY CONLEY CLASS
with Rosemary’s NEW Amazing Inch Loss Plan Where is your nearest diet and exercise class?
GROBY Brookvale High School, Ratby Road, Groby Wednesday 5:45 - 7:15 pm Wednesday 7:15 - 8:45 pm Classes also available in East Leake, Quorn & Shepshed Please call to book your place in class
Call Sally on 0116 2392880 Email: sally.rimmington @rosemaryconley.com
* Average weight lost in trials. Class Fee: £5.60 Valid until 26/03/10
www.rosemaryconley.com **When you pay for 5 weeks in advance
FREE Membership** worth £10 PLUS NEW Member’s Pack worth £25! Five days a week my body is a temple. The other two, it’s an amusement park.